Frequently Asked Questions in Boynton Beach

Chiropractic adjustments work by helping to place your body in the proper position that then allows the body to heal itself. One of the key focuses of chiropractic care is realigning the spine and thereby reducing pressure placed on sensitive nerves, which can contribute to dysfunction of the central nervous system and cause pain.  If the spine shifts out of its proper place, then adjustments are used to help bring the spine back into alignment.  Chiropractors pride themselves on taking a natural, drugless approach to helping their patients reach their health goals. Essentially, the basic principle upon which the entire profession is built is that the body has the amazing, innate ability to heal itself (under the right conditions); it is the chiropractor’s job to help create an environment that facilitate this inner-healing process and where safety is assured. 

Some types of adjustments (or manipulation) of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound.  The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, which results in gas bubbles being released.  Even if you don’t hear the cracking sound during a Chiropractic adjustment, everything should be just fine!  Not all adjustments will produce a sound.  That’s because there are numerous techniques used by Chiropractors, some produce a sound and some do not.

Yes. Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans, workers’ compensation, Medicare, automobile insurance plans among others.  Chiropractic care is also available to active-duty members of the armed forces at more than 60 military bases and is available to veterans at more than 60 major veterans medical facilities.  A referral is not needed to see a doctor of chiropractic (DC); however, your health plan may have specific referral requirements.  Most of the time you can just call and schedule an appointment with a Chiropractor.  Our office is happy to answer any questions you have regarding your insurance coverage or affordable payment options that are available to you. 

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints.  A thorough examination helps identify  the rare individual for whom chiropractic care might not be suited.  Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness, stiffness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise.  Doctors of chiropractic are well trained professionals who provide patients with safe, effective care for a variety of common conditions. Their extensive education has prepared them to identify patients who have special risk factors and to get those patients the most appropriate care, even if that requires referral to a medical specialist.  Risks associated with some of the most common treatments for musculoskeletal pain—over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and prescription painkillers—are significantly greater than those of chiropractic manipulation.

Yes.  Pregnancy may be one of the best times to benefit from chiropractic care.  While it’s always best to have a properly working nervous system, it’s especially helpful during pregnancy.  Adjusting methods are uniquely modified to a mother’s size, weight and conditions.  During this time of weight gain and hormonal changes, many mothers seek chiropractic care because it is drug free.  Many report shorter and easier births.

The simple answer is no. Adjustments are not addicting, but feeling great and being healthier might be.

Yes.  Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.  Children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort for which chiropractic adjustments may be appropriate.

Doctors of chiropractic are educated as primary-contact health care providers, with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system (the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine and extremities) and the nerves that supply them.  Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions.  The typical applicant for chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work.  Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Doctors of chiropractic are educated in orthopedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy, clinical diagnosis including laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, exercise, nutrition rehabilitation and more.  Because chiropractic care includes highly skilled manipulation/adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical technique training to master these important manipulative procedures.  In total, the chiropractic college curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience.  The course of study is approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education, an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

While regular chiropractic care may help keep you off the operating table in the first place, it can also help you to recover from back surgery if it does become necessary.  Despite what you may think, visiting a chiropractor after back surgery does not have to be a cause for anxiety.  Licensed chiropractors are among the most experienced healthcare professionals when it comes to treating spinal problems of all types.  They will give you a thorough examination to assess your particular situation before beginning any kind of treatment.  This examination will usually involve taking a detailed medical history, doing a careful physical evaluation and (where appropriate) ordering diagnostic imaging such as an x-ray or MRI.  Consultation with your surgeon may also be performed prior to treatment.  Chiropractic care may not be appropriate for some time following certain types of procedures.  For example, a spinal fusion surgery should generally be allowed to heal for a year before having chiropractic treatment.  Consult with your surgeon and chiropractor about the best timing to begin chiropractic manipulation.  Depending on the type of surgery you had performed, you may or may not receive an adjustment as part of your treatment plan.  Following the advice of your surgeon and primary care physician are important, but you may also find the advice of a chiropractor helpful to you. 

Chiropractic works immediately. At the exact moment we adjust your spine, stress is released from your nervous system, joints, and muscles.  Following an adjustment the body is getting more balanced, your nervous system is better able to send messages and you can better handle stress; your posture is more balanced and hundreds of other things are different.

When people ask that question they are often really asking “When will I get better?” Patients want to get better and feel great right away. Sometimes that’s exactly what happens – a problem of longstanding duration clears up after one adjustment. Sometimes it takes a few adjustments, sometimes longer, sometimes a condition never fully resolves.

Why?  Everyone is different. We all have different histories, underlying health conditions and health needs.  If you live an active lifestyle with regular exercise and moderate activity on a daily basis, you'll likely respond much quicker to treatment.  The longer you've been ignoring your symptoms and dealing with the pain, the longer it may take to get relief.  It's better to deal with the pain right away rather than neglecting it and letting it cause more problems.  In some people an adjustment is the one thing their bodies have been lacking.  In other patients there are more combinations of factors poor enough to prevent them from expressing complete health.  That's why it is always important to see a chiropractor as soon as you start experiencing pain.